FAQ's

How do I start the process of getting a translation, an interpreter, a proof, or an edition?

Start by telling us information about your project needs through one of the following ways:
Call 1-877-4-AKORBI
Email us
Request a free quote
An Akorbi representative will then contact you confirming the receipt of your request and will either collect more details or let you know an estimate is on the way.

When I send a document to be translated, what are the steps Akorbi follows to ensure that my translation will be of premium quality?

As outlined in the Akorbi Quality Control Process, first a project manager is assigned to your project, then the appropriate team of translators, editors, and proofreaders is chosen based on the target language and culture. A translator is responsible for the bulk of the work in terms of content, and then the document is passed on to an editor to double-check for linguistic and cultural accuracy. Documents are then proofread for grammatical errors and coherency before delivery. At each step of the process, the Akorbi project manager is alert to all issues and maintains contact with the client.

There are thousands of translation companies; why should I choose Akorbi?

Although our clients express satisfaction for all that Akorbi does, many choose and remain with us because we differentiate ourselves through customer service. Our other distinguishing factors stem from that one area of endeavour. Akorbi boasts not only an exceptional record of accuracy and dependability, but also grants you an effective business-to-business relationship with a company capable of handing the language and technological demands of large firms and corporations. Through customer service that exceeds the norm, your company's projects are fully customizable and completed with efficiency beyond compare. Akorbi's company-wide standards help us to uphold our reputation: we offer a business-to-business relationship, customization, consistency, returns on investment, adaptable scheduling, and a well-built foundation of financial security and deliverability.

What are the qualifications of Akorbi translators?

All Akorbi translators are experts in their respective languages. Within their language of expertise, each one possesses knowledge of the linguistic characteristics that vary by culture or region. Translators each have at least five years of experience and hold a degree in translation. They only translate into their native languages. Akorbi seeks those who possess impeccable track records of performance and who have received accreditation by recognized translation agencies in the United States. Our editors have an average of ten years' experience and have worked with some of the world’s most renowned publishing companies.

Which languages does Akorbi translate and interpret into?

Akorbi translates and interprets into all languages. The most common requests are English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Swedish, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese. For a full list of the languages we work with on a regular basis, click here.

Does Akorbi certify and notarize translations?

Yes, we provide notarizations for all documents that must be certified.

What are the rates for translation?

Rates for translations vary by language. Rates decrease by discounts on high-volume projects and on word repetitions. This discount is applied to every word repeated in and among all of the documents you send to us for translation.

Is there a difference between a certified translator and certified translations?

Yes. The Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society explain the difference as follows:

There are some credentials available to translators working in some language pairs in this country, but they do not carry the same weight -- in the marketplace or in the translation community -- as federal licensing or accreditation in other countries. Please note that there are many languages for which there is no type of certification, accreditation, or screening available in this country. There are many excellent, experienced translators who are not accredited or certified. In the United States, it is not necessary to be certified, accredited, or licensed in order to provide a certified translation for official use.

In the United States, a certified translation consists of the following three parts:

• The source (original) text
• The target-language (translated) text
• A statement signed by the translator or translation company representative, with his or her signature notarized by a Notary Public, attesting that the translator or translation company representative believes the target-language text to be an accurate and complete translation of the source-language text

Please note that any translator and any translation company representative, regardless of credentials may "certify" a translation in this way. A translator does not need to be "certified" (or accredited) in order to provide a "certified translation."

What is the difference between interpretation and translation?

While translators deal with the written word, interpreters translate the spoken word in settings such as courts, conferences, and meetings.

What is Akorbi's turnaround time on translations?

The duration of a translation project is dependent on several factors. Generally, more technical texts take longer than less technical ones. Our current workload and the specific language pair are other considerations. The average translator can translate around 2,000 to 3,000 words a day, depending on how technical the document is. Time must also be allowed for editing and proofreading. Although all Akorbi documents are 100% human-translated, through translation memory software and glossaries, translators are able to record words that have previously been translated in the particular context, and therefore shorten translation time with projects that have a high degree of repetitions.

For faster turnarounds and high-volume projects, Akorbi is able to put together special translator teams that, with the use of cutting-edge translation management systems, ensure quick delivery and consistency throughout the project.

Is there a minimum amount of time required between requesting an interpreter and the event for which they are needed?

Akorbi does not require a minimum amount of time for the interpreter assignment process, but asks that customers understand the risk they run if Akorbi is not advised ahead of time. We have provided interpreters within the hour, but the chances of deploying an interpreter equipped with all of the client’s specifications increase with the amount of time given for pairing.

Can you retranslate material that has been poorly translated in the past?

Sometimes we can. However, it is more economical for the client to have a translation created from scratch rather than fixing a document that has not been translated by a professional translator. Usually, for correcting documents that have not been created by a professional, Akorbi charges per hour rather than per word.

Do you provide private language classes? Cultural training?

Yes, Akorbi provides both private and group language and cultural competency courses for professionals, their spouses, and their children. Customers are also encouraged to choose the meeting times and locations most convenient for themselves.

International trade: How important is it to translate my website?

Non-English-speaking markets are presently experiencing an Internet growth rate that far exceeds English-speaking markets. English-speaking Internet users only account for around 30-45% of total Internet browsing (Internet World Stats). Further recent research carried out for UNESCO by Aston University in the United Kingdom, , found that "people prefer to use their own language where information is available in it, even when they are competent users of English as a second language."

What is Desktop Publishing (DTP)?

When customers send publications that have been created by an artist, Desktop Publishing software is used to maintain or improve the appearance. Page layout software such as QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, and others enable users to incorporate text, graphics, photos, and other visual elements to enhance their publications.

What is machine translation?

Though machine translation has been researched for almost as long as computers have been around, it is still an unreliable way to convey the meaning of a source text in another language. There are many variables that come into play when dealing with translation, and unless the source text and machine translation software are strategically prepared, the output provides low-accuracy results. According to SDL International, the makers of EasyTranslator, "automatic translation tools can be thought of as ‘gisting’ tools. This means that the translations are draft-quality and allow you to understand the general meaning of the text. No machine translation tool is perfect. The only way to translate 100% accurately is to hire professional translators."

TRANSLATORS: How can I apply or get freelance work?

Freelance and full-time translators are encouraged to apply by going to the careers page of the website. Please include three references by reputed agencies in the United States, as well as your rates, resume, cover letter and turnaround times.

Back to Top